1949 Bristol 402 vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 475 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 402 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 402 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Bristol 402 | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 402 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
